The Palace Hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland on Friday 20 August witnessed a 100% success rate with over half the cars sold above their top estimate by Bonhams. The sale realised a premium inclusive CHF 2.15m (pre-sale estimate CHF 1.5m – 1.95m).
Top price of the day was the last lot offered, the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster at CHF 580,130 (estimate CHF 400,000 – 600,000). Other strong performers were CHF 44,225 for a 1989 Audi Quattro Turbo 20V (estimate CHF 15,000 – 20,000); CHF 29,886 for a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500E (estimate CHF 5,000 – 8,000); CHF 211,985 for a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 with non-matching engine (estimate CHF 100,000 – 140,000) and CHF 227,416 for a high mileage 1988 Porsche 959 (estimate CHF 100,000 -140,000).
As the sale was Swiss-based, the local market had a distinct advantage over EU buyers who had to factor in EU import costs, resulting in most bidders and buyers being from Switzerland. However, buyers from North America, UK, Belgium and France proved the collection really did appeal to a world-wide audience.
James Knight, Group of Head of Bonhams Motoring Department and auctioneer on the day, commented: “It was one of those upbeat sales where people came with the intent to buy. Many of Peter’s friends fought for his cars. The ingredients of a single-owner collection of fresh motor cars to market, well-cared for and offered without reserve, at the fabulous Palace Hotel, ensured huge participation. I have never had so many bidders before. Our telephone bidding desk was the busiest I’ve seen with 10 lines consistently bidding for the motor cars. We thank Kidston SA, the Baumberger estate’s agent, for entrusting us with the sale. In return, we are pleased to have delivered a successful result on the night.”
Simon Kidston of Kidston SA commented: “I think Peter would have approved.”
